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Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, unfortunately. They are owned by the genius Stephenie Meyer.
Chapter 7 – Decisions
BPOV:
I nodded to Edward hesitantly, but I knew this needed to be done. "Should we talk to him first or include everyone?"
"Let's go talk to Carlisle in his study and then we can decide whether or not to include everyone else," Edward said and led me upstairs.
Carlisle was already waiting for us. We walked over to his desk and Edward sat down on one of the chairs pulling me down with him to sit on his lap. It has been become customary for us to sit like this whenever possible. We liked the closeness it provided.
Carlisle closed his notebook and looked up at us. "So, Bella, I assume Edward has told you about everything that happened last night."
I nodded and said, "I don't want to put your family in danger just because of me. I know what needs to be done to protect you, and I am more than willing to join your family forever. I would have still wanted this even if the threat of Edward being taken away from me wasn't present, and I understand exactly what will happen if we don't take this necessary precaution."
"Bella, I don't want you to think for a moment that you need to make this choice because of us. We can take care of ourselves, and I don't think Aro will do anything. He has too much respect for me, as I do for him," Carlisle said and looked at Edward. I could tell they were having a silent conversation.
I looked from Edward, back to Carlisle and said, "This isn't just for your family. I want to be with Edward forever and will do anything it takes for that to happen. It may seem selfish, but it is really what I want. I don't know what I would do if I lost Edward." Edward remained silent, but clung to me a little tighter.
"Bella, do you realize you probably will never see Charlie or your mom again?"
"Yes. I don't think I could ever live without Edward. I believe that we are destined to be together forever, and this is the only way it can be ensured." Edward stiffened behind me, but I continued, "And I know that it is going to be hard at first, but in the end, it will be okay because they want me to be happy."
Edward looked at Carlisle. I could tell they were having one of their conversations. I didn't like that they were leaving the rest of us out, but then again there were something I didn't want any of his siblings to know if they were listening.
After several minutes of silence, except for the wordless conversation of Edward and Carlisle, I squeezed Edward's hand hoping to bring him back to reality.
Edward turned me to face him. His eyes were full of love. "I know I can't live without in my life. I want to be with you for eternity as well. You are my everything, but are you sure Bella? Once it is done, there is no turning back."
I blushed. I had hoped Edward felt the same way, but I never knew for sure. I could from his eyes that he meant every word.
"Yes. I am sure. I want to do this, not just for you guys but for me too."
Carlisle nodded his head. "Okay, then we need to go talk to Alice and the others to determine our next step. We should go downstairs and fill everyone else in."
Edward and I followed Carlisle down the hall towards the stairs, but he stopped me at the top of the stairs and said, "I thought we weren't going to make any final decisions tonight. We were just supposed to talk about our options."
"We don't really have a choice if we want to stay together, and it is what I want. I want nothing more than to be with you forever. I love you too much to spend another day apart again."
"I am glad you feel that way, but let's not rush this decision. It will happen one day, but not right now."
"If that is what makes you happy, then we can wait until there is a clear threat from Tanya and Aro, but when that happens, we both know what needs to be done before it is too late."
"I love you, Bella, more than anything. I just want you to be happy."
"I am happy being with you, and it's where I want to stay." We softly kissed before returning to the dining room to join the rest of the family.
Everyone was sitting at the dining room table, ready for our family meeting. Carlisle was positioned at the head of the table and Edward and I took our seats next to Alice.
We continued to hold hands, but I couldn't look anyone in the face, so I just stared at the table. I wasn't sure how everyone was going to react to this news.
Edward leaned over to me and gave me a soft kiss on the cheek. "Everything is going to be okay Bella. Everyone already thinks of you as family. They just want what is best for you."
It made me feel a little bit better, but not much. Jasper sent a wave of calm and a little confidence towards me. I smiled at him glad when he smiled back.
Carlisle got up to start the meeting. "I am sure all of you know what this about. We have had some issues with Tanya. She wants to inform Aro of Bella, but so far, Alice hasn't seen when this is going to happen. Is that still true Alice?"
Edward stiffened knowing what Alice was going to say. I clung tighter to him, worrying that he was going to do something stupid.
"It was until about ten minutes. Tanya has decided she is going to give us until the end of the summer before she tells the Volturi. I am so sorry Edward," Alice said in a very shallow voice. I have never seen her so lifeless.
"Well, that changes things. Thank you, Alice, for informing us. Bella, are you okay?"
I had a feeling it was going to happen sooner rather than later, but I had no idea it would be so soon. However, the more I thought about it, the more okay I became with the idea of changing before starting college.
I didn't really want to go to college from the start; I was just going for Edward. I was supposed to be leaving for college anyway, so we can all move and start a new life somewhere far away from here.
"I am fine. When does it have to be done by?" I answered stoically without looking at Edward. I knew he would have something negative to say.
Edward turned me to look into my face and said, "Bella, I don't want to rush you into such a permanent decision. Please take your time and enjoy your family while you can."
"Edward, it is okay. I would be leaving them soon anyway. This is perfect timing actually. I will be able to start my real life with you after the wedding."
"Bella, are you sure you really want this?" It was Rosalie this time. She looked at me softly, but she had worry in her eyes.
We had become much closer over the last year, but she still couldn't understand why I did what I did to be with Edward.
"I mean this really isn't the life I would have wanted for myself, but I see how happy Edward makes you. You have no idea what you have done for him too. I will be thankful everyday you came into his life. He has done a complete one-eighty in his outlook on life, but are you ready to give up everything for this life?"
"Yes, Rosalie. This is all I have wanted from the beginning, but Edward wanted to do what he thought was best for me at the time. Now things have changed, and this decision has to be sooner than he expected. I am okay with that because I would do anything to stay with Edward. Wouldn't you have done anything to stay with Emmett?"
Her eyes flickered a little bit as if she finally realized what I was saying. "I did do everything to stay with him," she whispered softly. She turned, put her head into Emmett's chest, and silently sobbed. He stroked her hair gently and nodded at me to show his approval.
Alice turned to me and took my hand. "Everything is going to be okay, Bella. Nothing is going to happen to you or the rest of us. I promise."
"Thank you everyone for understanding my decision, but right now, I want to think about our vacation and wedding. This isn't going to happen for more than two months, and we will have many happy times between now and then." I was trying to cheer them up by showing them how optimistic I am.
"I couldn't agree more Bella. We have a wedding to plan and a vacation coming up, so let's all relax," Esme said. She looked at me and winked. I smiled back at her. I knew she would understand where I was coming from.
Carlisle looked at Edward and he nodded back. Edward gave me a kiss and carried me outside.
"Where are we going?" I asked once we were in the car.
"I am taking you home. You need to get to sleep, and I don't want Charlie to worry about you. It is going to be sunny tomorrow, so we can spend all day together. I was thinking of going to the meadow. Would you like to join me?"
"I would love to join you in the meadow. It is my second favorite place."
"It is your second favorite place? Where is your first?"
"I feel safest when I am in your arms, so anywhere with you is my favorite place." He kissed me gently and helped me with my seat belt. He grabbed my hand and squeezed gently. I returned the squeeze and smiled at him.
We were still sitting in the garage, but I didn't know what we were waiting for. I was recalling the events of the day when I remembered the car. "What about the Vanquish? It is still at my house. Charlie drove it home, remember?"
"Don't worry; Alice is coming with us to drive it home." As soon as he finished talking, Alice jumped gracefully into the car.
"Bella, I am really glad you made that decision. I know it will hard, but we are all here for you. As for tomorrow, you can spend the day with Edward, but on Tuesday, I will pick you up at 9:00 AM, and we will start discussing more wedding details and then go shopping. Edward is going hunting with Jasper and Emmett, so he won't be around to hear about your dress." Alice was bouncing up and down in her seat. She was really excited about shopping this week.
"You are going hunting?" I asked Edward harshly. He didn't tell me he was going hunting. He just went hunting on Friday.
"I am sorry. Alice just informed me. She threatened me. She said if I didn't cooperate, she would take you shopping in an undisclosed location for a week."
"Alice, why would you do that? You know I can't stand to be away from Edward for any amount of time except when he has to hunt."
"Well, I was going to threaten the Volvo, but I saw that he would say that nothing mattered more to him than you so I could do whatever I wanted to his car. The car could be replaced; you can't. Therefore, I had to come up with something else. That is why he is going hunting, so you only have to be away from each other for ten hours. I think you guys can handle it," Alice laughingly replied.
"Would you have really said that?" I asked Edward incredulously. I didn't think he would ever let something happen to his precious car.
"Of course I would have said that. You mean more to me than some car. You are priceless," he said as he leaned over for yet another kiss.
We could go that long without each other, but it would be hard, especially after what has happened this past weekend. I was actually looking forward to shopping, but I would never tell Alice that. I couldn't wait to try on wedding dresses, which is a big shock to me since I never dreamed of a big wedding. I really thought I would end up eloping, but this is going to be much better for everyone. Hopefully, it will give closure for everyone.
"I guess we can do it, and we will have all day tomorrow to be together," I said sarcastically.
When we arrived at my house, Alice jumped into the Vanquish and headed home. Edward helped me out of the car and walked me to my door.
"I will be right back. I love you, Isabella."
"Please hurry back Edward. I don't want to miss you for too long. I love you."
He gave me a little kiss and went back to the car. I quickly went into the house, told Charlie about my plans for the next few days, and went upstairs to shower before Edward came back for the night.
After I was done showering and brushing my teeth, I returned to my room to find my loving fiancé lying motionless on my bed. If I hadn't known any better, I would have thought he was asleep.
"What are you doing?" I asked demurely.
"I was just inhaling your scent. It fills the house when you shower. Would you care to join me?" He asked and motioned to the spot on the bed next to him.
"What would make you think I would want to do that?" I said coyly before I rushed over and jumped into the bed, nearly hitting him in the process.
Edward started laughing. "Bella, you never cease to amaze me. Every time you do something clumsy, it just makes you all the more beautiful. I don't know what I would do without you. Even though it may seem that I do not approve of your decision, I am very glad you chose to be with me. I love you more than I thought I could love anyone. You truly complete me."
He wrapped his muscular arms around me and kissed me fervently. I returned his actions with just as much zeal. I was indisputably happy with my life and the decisions that were made today.
I moved my hands around his back and ended up at the bottom of his shirt. I started to pull it up, but Edward stopped kissing my neck and said, "What exactly do you think you are doing?"
"You know exactly what I am doing. I love to see and feel your cool, muscular chest."
These weren't really my first intentions but nonetheless were true. I was really trying to push his boundaries again. I didn't see why we couldn't go further now since we decided I was going to become a vampire soon.
If he hurt me accidentally, whether it is by life-threatening force or venom, then we could do the change now without consequences of doing the right thing, given that it was only a matter of time before it happened anyway.
I didn't really think it was important to wait until after I was turned, as this was one thing I definitely wanted to experience as a human, and I had voiced that concern to Edward on numerous occasions. In fact, I didn't want to wait any longer. I wanted to show him exactly how I feel about him.
"If that is all then I will happily oblige you, but you know we shouldn't take it any further." He quickly removed his shirt and lay back down with his arms around me.
"Why not? I don't think you would even come close to hurting me. You have more self-control then you give yourself credit for." I gazed into his eyes. He wasn't buying this. I didn't really think he would, but it was worth a try.
No matter what I tell him about his self-control, he always reminds me that he is a "monster", and if he loses focus for just one minute, he could never forgive himself for hurting me.
"I wasn't talking about my issue of self-control, even though it is a serious one."
I interrupted him before he could continue. "Oh, really, so what exactly is wrong with the continuation of our physical relationship?"
"I was thinking since we are getting married so soon, we should wait until at least our wedding night. However, I want you to understand that I, in no way, am expecting anything from you that night. If it were solely up to me, I would say we should wait until you are turned, but I know how much this means to you."
I saw the pleading in his eyes. I knew it was the right thing to wait until our wedding night. It would probably be more special, and it was traditional, as was Edward.
"I guess it's a good comprise." It was true, but I wouldn't have minded breaking tradition.
We continued to kiss and cuddle for some time before a yawn escaped me.
"I think it is time for you to get some sleep. I wouldn't want you to be too tired to go to our meadow tomorrow."
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't wait for tomorrow. "Okay. I will go to sleep, but will you please sing me my lullaby?"
Edward kissed my temple as I rolled over to cuddle next to him with my back against his chest, and he started humming my lullaby into my ear. His cool breath against my face sent chills down my spine, but I loved every second of being close to him. I fell asleep quickly; I hadn't even realized how tired I actually was.
My dreams were relatively peaceful. They were mostly about the wedding, but in every one of them, I couldn't see my dress or any of my surroundings. All I ever saw was Edward. He wore the most gorgeous, black tuxedo. I was staring into his beautiful topaz eyes as I walked down the aisle, not noticing anything around me. His loving eyes watched me intently as I walked towards him. This was possibly the best dream I had ever had, but it was hastily cut short by someone gently shaking me.
"It is time to wake up, my love. We have to leave before the sun gets too high," Edward said in a soft voice. I sat up to stretch and give him a kiss.
He continued, "Alice said to wear the pink dress and brown sandals. I don't know what she is talking about since I have never seen you wear a pink dress, but I am anxious to see it. Also, what were you dreaming about last time because you kept saying 'I do'?"
I blushed. Why did I have to talk in my sleep? "I was dreaming about our wedding if you must know, and I have to say that you looked extremely sexy in your tuxedo."
"I am sure you looked even better in your dress. I can't wait to see you in it in real life. July 24th can't come soon enough. I cannot wait for you to become my wife. I love you."
He scooped me up bridal style and twirled us around in circles. I threw my hands around his neck and kissed him passionately.
When we stopped twirling and kissing, I said, "I love you too. I agree, the wedding cannot come soon enough. I am counting the days until I become Mrs. Edward Cullen."
He put me on the ground gently and said, "Let's get you dressed and fed so we can spend our day together. I will make you some breakfast while you get dressed. What would you like?" Edward had actually gotten pretty good at cooking. He would watch cooking shows on the Food Network and try the recipes out on me. Most of the time they were delicious, but occasionally they were inedible. It was thought that counted though.
"Surprise me." I gave him another kiss before he got up to go to the kitchen to prepare my surprise breakfast.
I walked to the bathroom to do something with my hair and apply a little makeup like Rosalie and Alice had taught me. I could hear Edward singing Better Together by Jack Johnson from the kitchen. His taste in music has changed so much. It used to be all "angry music". At least that is what Emmett called it, but now his selections tended to be happier.
I grabbed the outfit Alice had suggested and put it on. This was becoming a pattern. She always found some way to pick out what clothing I wore, but I was okay with it because Edward enjoyed my outfits.
The smell from the kitchen was making my mouth water. I didn't recognize it, but whatever it was, it smelled divine. I ran downstairs as fast I could without tripping.
Edward met me at the doorway with a plate of crepes with whip cream on top and a bowl of fruit. I have never actually eaten crepes, but I had seen them in cooking magazines. They always looked delicious.
Edward's mouth dropped open like it had the day before. He gawked at me momentarily before saying, "Bella, you look amazing once again. You have outdone yourself. Here these are for you." He handed the plate to me, but his eyes stayed glued on my body. It felt good to know that he had the same reaction to my body as I did to his.
"Edward, where did you learn to make these? They look delicious. Thank you," I said in amazement. "I don't think I have ever seem anything look so tasty, except for you." I gave him a kiss as he pulled out a chair from the kitchen table for me.
"I have a lot of time on hands while you are playing dress-up and shopping with Alice. I hope you like them. Eat up," he said as he sat down across from me.
I grabbed his hands with my free hand and started rubbing circles into them. I looked up at him smiling. He was smiling widely too. This was a wonderful moment.
After I finished eating, we went outside, Edward threw me onto his back softly, and we were running.
I had gotten used to running and now I loved it. The way the wind felt on your face is indescribable. Edward loves to run, something about how free and at ease it makes him feel, and knowing that make me feel free too when I am running with him.
I would occasionally turn my head to give Edward a kiss on his neck, and every time I did, he would run a little faster trying to get to our destination that much more quickly to reciprocate the gesture.
We made it to the meadow in record time. There was already a blanket and a picnic basket sprawled out in the middle. Who has been here?
As if Edward could read my thoughts, he said, "I had Esme pack a lunch for you since I didn't think you would want to leave to eat, and Alice brought it up just before we got here. We passed her in the forest. She waved."
"I didn't see her."
"I didn't think you would. She was pretty far away. She didn't want to bother us during our day together."
"Do you have anything planned for us today besides spending time together?"
"I know how much you enjoy the sun, so I thought we could just lie together for awhile. Then, we will have a picnic lunch, and we can do whatever you want for the afternoon. The sky is the limit."
I smiled. He always thought of everything, and he was constantly doing romantic things for me, like the picnic today or the candlelight dinner we had had last week when Charlie had to work late.
Edward removed his shirt, grabbed my hand, and led me to the blanket. I was still amazed how he sparkled in the sun. Soon, my skin is going to do that too.
Edward reached over to the basket and pulled out a bottle of sunscreen.
"I wouldn't want your beautiful skin to get burned." I nodded and he continued, "Would you like to apply it, or can I have the honors?"
"If you wouldn't mind," I said timidly.
He squirted some lotion into his hands and rubbed them together to warm it up some.
I didn't see why that would do any good given his body temperature, but it was a nice gesture.
He motioned for me to turn around, and I obliged eagerly and held up my hair.
Edward moved the straps of my dress off my shoulders and started applying the lotion, massaging my shoulders as he worked it in. I don't think he had any idea how good it felt. He quickly came to my front and worked more lotion on my arms, softly massaging them too.
I have never experienced anything like this before. It was more than putting on sun block. The way he was applying it was exceedingly sensual. If he was enjoying this as much as I was, I think we may have a way to release our stress safely without pushing the boundaries of our physical relationship.
He dropped to his knees and started massaging lotion into my legs. My body was tingling all over. My heartbeat picked up too, and I was sure Edward heard it as he looked up at me and smiled wickedly.
He stood back up and started applying more to my face ever so gently. I smiled at his wariness. He kept his eyes locked with mine the entire time. I loved when his topaz eyes glistened in the sun.
He put the bottle back in the basket and started to sit down, but I stopped him and said, "Edward, I think you missed a spot." I pointed to my chest.
He was clearly flustered as he grabbed the lotion again. "Oh right. Are you sure it is okay?"
I couldn't help but laugh a little bit. "Come on Edward. Do you recall what happened in your kitchen yesterday? You didn't seem shy then, and we are getting married in a little over a month. I think it is okay if you touch my chest."
He quickly applied lotion to the area while staring directly at into my eyes once again and returned the bottle back to the basket.
In the kitchen yesterday, it seemed like he threw his worries out the window, but today it looked like we had regressed in our physical relationship. I would have to work on that.
He lay down, pulling me with him. I was lying on my stomach with my head on Edward's chest, half my body was covering his, and our legs were intertwined, playing footsy. Between the sun and my body heat, Edward's sparkling skin was warming beneath me.
The sun felt wonderful beating down on my skin. Edward was playing with my hair as I was drawing designs on his chest.
He pulled one of the books I had bought Saturday out of the basket. I read for about an hour before putting my book down and continued to trace designs into Edward's chest.
I yawned, but I didn't think I was tired. I started to say something but, Edward started humming my lullaby. I thought about protesting, but I yawned again. I fell asleep quickly after that.
When I awoke, I was in the same position as I had been before I fell asleep. I lifted my head and smiled at Edward.
"Did you have a good nap?" he asked as he pulled me up for a kiss.
"How long have I been asleep?"
"About an hour and half. You were sleeping so calmly, I didn't want to wake you. Are you hungry?"
"Famished," I replied jokingly.
Edward gently turned us so we were lying on our sides, propped up by our elbows, and facing each other and reached for the picnic basket. "I wouldn't want you to starve."
He handed my a little veggie tray, a plate of fresh fruit, a can of cola, and a sandwich. Esme was so thoughtful. I would have to remember to thank her later.
Edward picked up a strawberry and fed it to me. A little bit of juice dribbled down my chin.
I started to reach up to wipe it off, but Edward surprised me by leaning over, gently licking it off, and kissing me. This must be heaven.
After I finished eating, we cleaned up and lay back down on the blanket together.
"I was thinking we could call your mother and tell her the good news," Edward said as he dangled the phone from his hand.
I wasn't sure how Renee was going to take the news, but I couldn't put it off any longer. I grabbed the phone, dialed her number, and put her on speaker phone. I wasn't sure how to tell her about the wedding, but I decided to slip it into the conversation.
She answered on the third ring. "Hello?"
"Hi, Mom. How are you feeling?"
"Oh, hi, Bella. I am exhausted. I don't remember being this tired with you, and it doesn't help that the baby keeps kicking me, preventing me from sleeping for long periods of time. How are you doing? How was graduation? Did you fall?"
Both Edward and I laughed at the last question. "Graduation was great. I didn't even trip a little."
"That is great. I am looking forward to seeing the pictures. Are you still planning on coming here before college starts?"
"That is actually what I am calling about. I thought it might be nice for you, the baby, and Phil to come here at the end of July..."
I was going to continue, but she cut me off. "You know I hate Forks, so why would you think I would like to go there?"
"Well you don't have to come, but I thought it would be nice for you to attend my wedding."
"You're getting married?!" Renee was now screaming into the phone, but I couldn't understand anything she was saying.
"Mom, calm down. Edward proposed on Saturday, but by the time we got back to the house, it was too late to call. On Sunday, we had graduation, so we were busy all day. I will give you all the details later, but the wedding is July 24th. I really hope you will come."
I waited patiently for her answer, but it didn't look good given the amount of time it taking her to respond.
"Of course I will be there for your big day. I can't believe my little girl is getting married. I am so happy for both you and Edward." I let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank you Mom. I have to go now, but I will call you when I know more details. I love you."
"I love you too. Bye."
"Bye."
I hung up the phone and handed it back to Edward. I was all smiles. That went a lot better than I thought it would after she got over the initial shock.
"I can tell you are relieved," Edward said. He looked a little relieved too, but I think he was more concerned about me than about my mother's reaction.
"Everything is perfect." I leaned over and gave him another kiss. I was looking forward to spending the rest of this perfect day together.
Thanks again to my wonderful beta Flamingo1325!
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